DESCRIPTION
Mapelastic AquaDefense is a premixed, advanced liquid-rubber, extremely
quick-drying waterproofing and crack-isolation membrane for installation under
ceramic tile or stone in residential, commercial and industrial environments.
Mapelastic AquaDefense provides a thin, continuous barrier to protect adjacent
rooms and floors below from water damage. For common problem areas like
coves, corners, cracks and drains, it can be combined with MAPEI’s optional
Reinforcing Fabric or Mapeband
™
accessories (cove roll and drain flash) to
provide additional protection. Mapelastic AquaDefense dries after about 30 to
50 minutes and is then ready to receive any MAPEI polymer or epoxy mortar.
Mapelastic AquaDefense can be flood-tested after 12 hours of drying time,
is IAPMO-listed for use as a shower-pan liner, and exceeds ANSI A118.10
and ANSI A118.12 standards.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
• Very quick drying: Install tile after 30 to 50 minutes of drying time.
• Time-saving: Flood-test as shower-pan liner after 12 hours of drying time.
• Apply with roller or brush – easy to install over flat, curved or irregular
surfaces
• Bonds to a wide range of surfaces; convenient, user-friendly and versatile
• No odor; great for confined spaces
• Prevents in-plane floor cracks from transmitting through tile or stone
INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND APPROVALS
• ANSI: Exceeds A118.10 standard (Waterproofing Membranes for Thin-Set
Ceramic Tile) and A118.12 standard (Crack-Isolation Membranes for Thin-
Set Ceramic Tile)
• ASTM: C627 (Robinson) service rating for extra heavy
• ASTM: E-96 Method E, meeting requirements of <0.5 perms
• IAPMO: Listed for use as shower-pan liner
• IAPMO File #3996
• ICC Evaluation Service Report ESR 3474
• Los Angeles Board of Building & Safety Commissioners File Number
M-130022
LEED v3 Points Contribution LEED Points
MR Credit 5, Regional Materials* .............................................Up to 2 points
IEQ Credit 4.2, Low-Emitting Materials – Paints & Coatings ..............1 point
* Using this product may help contribute to LEED certification of projects in the
categories shown above. Points are awarded based on contributions of all
project materials.
WHERE TO USE
• Residential and commercial interior/exterior floors, walls and ceilings
• Industrial interior floors and walls
• Tub and shower surrounds: bathrooms; kitchens; food prep, dishwashing,
servery and cafeteria areas; countertops; and laundry rooms
• Residential and commercial submerged applications: freshwater pools,
fountains and water features (completely covered by ceramic tile)
• Cantilevered balconies and decks over unoccupied space (see the
“Limitations” section)
• Balconies and decks over occupied space when used in conjunction with
a primary waterproofing membrane
Mapela
stic
®
AquaDefense
AquaDefense
Mapelastic
®
Premium Waterproong and
Crack-Isolation Membrane
Version: Oct. 10, 2017
• Steam rooms and steam showers (refer to TCNA
handbook’s sections SR613 and SR614 or TTMAC
319SR and 321SR).
• Meets ASTM E-96 Procedure E for a low perm waterproof
membrane
• In-plane crack isolation up to 1/8" (3 mm) over
nonstructural cracks
• MAPEI's Reinforcing Fabric is available but optional for
use on coves, corners and field application.
LIMITATIONS
• Mapelastic AquaDefense is not for use over structural
cracks, in-plane cracks beyond 1/8" (3 mm) or where
vertical out-of-plane movement occurs.
• Do not use over substrates containing asbestos,
dimensionally unstable substrates such as hardwood
flooring, particleboard, oriented strand board (OSB),
Masonite or metal. See "Suitable Substrates" section below.
• Do not use over: Plank flooring, treated plywood,
Lauan, gypsum-based floor-patching compounds,
vinyl, glazed tile, laminate, fiberglass or epoxy floors,
or storage tanks.
• Do not use where excessive substrate moisture and/or
where negative hydrostatic pressure exists. Maximum
allowable moisture is 8 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. (3,63 kg per
92,9 m
2
) per 24 hours per ASTM F1869 or up to 85%
relative humidity as measured with moisture probes.
• Do not use: As a single-application roof-deck membrane,
wear surface or primary waterproofing membrane on
balconies or decks directly over occupied space or in
storage tanks; or with premixed setting materials.
• Do not allow direct contact with solvent-based materials.
Consult MAPEI’s Technical Services Department for
installation recommendations regarding substrates and
conditions not listed.
SUITABLE SUBSTRATES
Interior and exterior
• Fully cured concrete at least 28 days old
(see “Limitations” section)
• Masonry walls of cement block or brick
• Cured cement mortar beds or leveling coats
• Cement backer units (CBUs)
Interior only
• Gypsum wallboard (walls only, in approved application
areas only)
• Properly prepared radiant-heated substrates
• Properly prepared unglazed ceramic tile and cement
terrazzo floors, and gypsum underlayments with a
minimum of 2,500 psi (17,2 MPa) in compressive strength
Note: Existing unglazed ceramic tile must be abraded,
and existing cement terrazzo must be mechanically
profiled. Both must be skimcoated with an appropriate
MAPEI latex- or polymer-modified mortar.
• Exterior-grade plywood (for interior residential floors
and countertops in dry areas only)
• PVC, copper, brass and stainless-steel pipe penetrations
(abraded)
Tile Council of North America (TCNA)
Statement on Deection Criteria
Floor systems, including the framing system and
subfloor panels, over which tile will be installed
should be in conformance with the IRC [International
Residential Code] for residential applications, the
IBC [International Building Code] for commercial
applications, or applicable building codes.
Note: The owner should communicate in writing
to the project design professional and general
contractor the “intended use” of the tile installation,
in order to enable the project design professional
and general contractor to make necessary
allowances for the expected live load, concentrated
loads, impact loads, and dead loads including the
weight of the tile and setting bed. The tile installer
shall not be responsible for any floor framing or
subfloor installation not compliant with applicable
building codes, unless the tile installer or tile
contractor designs and installs the floor framing or
subfloor.
SURFACE PREPARATION
• All recommended substrates must be structurally
sound, stable, clean and free of any substance
preventing adhesion.
• Do not use chemicals (acid etching or stripping)
to prepare approved substrates.
• Concrete substrates should have a concrete surface
profile of #2 per the International Concrete Repair
Institute (ICRI). Mechanically clean and profile by
diamond-cup grinding or other engineer-approved
method when necessary.
• Substrate and room temperatures must be 45°F to
95°F (7°C to 35°C) during and at least 24 hours after
application.
• See MAPEI's “Surface Preparation Requirements”
document in the Reference & Installation Guides
section of the Tile & Stone Installation Systems page
on MAPEI's Website.
MIXING
Choose all appropriate safety equipment before use. Refer
to the Safety Data Sheet for details.
1. Mix by hand before using.
2. Do not dilute with any other material.
3. Promptly wash tools with water after mixing.
Mapela
stic
®
AquaDefense
AquaDefense
Mapelastic
®
PRODUCT APPLICATION
Read all installation instructions thoroughly before installation.
• Fill all cracks, control joints and gaps in corners and coves that are
greater than 1/32" (1 mm) with an appropriate filler material. Force
material into crack and finish smooth with trowel. Let dry.
• MAPEI’s optional Reinforcing Fabric may be used with Mapelastic
AquaDefense in any of the areas shown below (see the section “Optional
Use of MAPEI’s Reinforcing Fabric”).
• MAPEI’s Mapeband accessories (cove roll and drain flashing) also may
be used with Mapelastic AquaDefense in any of the areas shown below
(see the section “Optional Use of Mapeband Accessories”).
Pre-treat cracks, corners and coves (oor/wall intersections)
1. For expansion and control joints, see the section “Expansion and
Control Joints.”
2. Apply Mapelastic AquaDefense liquid 6" (15 cm) on both sides of
cracks, corners and coves with a paintbrush or roller. Let dry to a dark-
green color.
3. Apply a second coat and let dry.
Pre-treat drains
1 Review drain manufacturer’s instructions for waterproof membrane
installation in conjunction with these instructions.
2. Fill space between drain pipe and substrate with appropriate expansion
joint materials (typically foam backer rod and sealant).
3. For drains with bolt-down collar and weep holes, loosen and remove
bolts from drain flange. Abrade drain flange with sandpaper, and clean
and dry thoroughly.
4. With paintbrush, apply a liberal coat over and around drain flange.
Let dry to a dark-green color.
5. Apply a second coat and let dry.
Pre-treat openings around pipes and other penetrations
1. Pack/fill the openings/spaces between drain pipe and substrate with
appropriate expansion joint materials (typically foam backer rod and
sealant).
2. Apply Mapelastic AquaDefense with brush around and up onto floor
or wall penetration. Let dry to a dark-green color.
3. Apply a second coat and let dry.
Complete the main area
1. Apply Mapelastic AquaDefense to entire area to be waterproofed (including
previously coated areas such as cracks, drains and penetrations) using a
3/8" (10 mm) nap roller. Let dry to a dark-green color.
2. Apply a second coat to entire installation. Let dry 30 to 50 minutes
before installing tile or stone.
3. Final dry thickness of first and second coats combined in the main area
should be about 20 mils at minimum (about the thickness of a credit card).
4. Inspect and, as needed, recoat pinholes or areas not completely covered.
Let dry.
5. Apply bead of silicone or urethane sealant around drain flange at drain
throat to join Mapelastic AquaDefense to the drain assembly. Leave no
voids.
6. Bolt down collar to drain flange.
7. Where Mapelastic AquaDefense coating ends on any penetration, apply
a bead of silicone or urethane sealant.
CLEANUP
• Remove excess Mapelastic AquaDefense (while fresh) with damp
sponge, soap and warm water. Any completely dried material may
be mechanically removed.
PROTECTION
• Protect from foot traffic, rain and freezing for 24 hours.
• Protect installed Mapelastic AquaDefense from contamination, excessive
heat and extended sun exposure until tile or stone is installed.
FLOOD-TESTING (per ASTM D5957)
If flood-testing is required, allow Mapelastic AquaDefense to cure at least 12
hours at 73°F (23°C) and 50% relative humidity. Actual curing time depends
on air and substrate temperature, substrate porosity and humidity. Expect
shorter drying times in warmer conditions, longer drying times in cooler
conditions.
INSTALLING CERAMIC TILE
OR NATURAL STONE
1. Mapelastic AquaDefense is ready to receive thin-set mortars for tile or
stone when dry to touch (about 30 to 50 minutes after applying second
coat).
2. Let Mapelastic AquaDefense cure for at least 8 hours before installing
medium-bed mortars (for large tile or stone), screeds (for leveling floors)
or epoxy adhesives.
3. For tile and stone installations, use a MAPEI polymer-modified
mortar meeting ANSI A118.4 or ANSI A118.11, or an epoxy mortar
meeting ANSI A118.15 ANSI A118.3. For the installation of resilient
or wood flooring over Mapelastic AquaDefense, adhere to the adhesive
recommendations or limitations for use over nonporous substrates.
EXPANSION AND CONTROL JOINTS
Installation with Mapeband:
Sealant
(depth is 1/2 width)
Rounded backup
(with no bond to sealant)
Bond
coat
Compressible backup
Concrete floor
Tile
Mapelastic
AquaDefense
Mapeband
Installation with MAPEI's Reinforcing Fabric:
1. Provide for expansion and control joints as specified
per TCNA Method EJ171 or TTMAC Specification Guide
09 30 00 Detail 301EJ. Do not cover expansion joints
with mortar.
2. If waterproofing integrity is required in expansion and
control joints, provide per the above drawing. MAPEI’s
Reinforcing Fabric or Mapeband can be embedded into
the Mapelastic AquaDefense liquid, allowed to dry and
filled with appropriate joint sealant or an expansion
molding system.
3. Protect tilework with metal strips (edge metal) along both
edges of structural building expansion joints.
Contact MAPEI’s Technical Services Department for more
information.
OPTIONAL USE OF MAPEI’S
REINFORCING FABRIC
Select fabric size (see packaging chart)
• For coves (floor/wall intersections), allow for 2" (5 cm)
of fabric on the floor and 4" (10 cm) up the wall. For
cracks, control joints and vertical corners, allow for 3"
(7,5 cm) of fabric on each side.
• For drains, cut desired fabric size from 38" (97-cm) wide
roll. For floor or wall penetrations, use 6" (15-cm) wide,
38" (97-cm) wide or a combination of both.
• For large areas, the 38" (97-cm) wide roll is recommended.
Cut fabric to size
• Cut all required pieces. Set aside.
Pre-treat cracks, control joints, corners, coves,
drains, and oor and wall penetrations
1. Apply Mapelastic AquaDefense as described in the
“Pre-treat” sections above.
2. Lay pre-cut pieces of fabric into wet Mapelastic
AquaDefense. Use brush to press fabric into corners
until liquid comes through fabric. Work out any wrinkles
or bubbles.
3. While fabric is wet, apply additional Mapelastic
AquaDefense over fabric until completely covered to
create void-free surface. Let dry to a dark-green color.
4. Apply a second coat and let dry.
Install fabric on main area
1. Apply the first coat of Mapelastic AquaDefense
(including areas previously coated) using a 3/8"
(10-mm) nap roller.
2. Place fabric into wet liquid on the floor. Using a roller,
apply pressure to the fabric, working out wrinkles or
bubbles while forcing Mapelastic AquaDefense to come
through the fabric. Overlap seams and ends of the fabric
by 2" (5 cm). While still wet, apply additional Mapelastic
AquaDefense over the fabric until completely covered,
creating a void-free surface. Let dry completely to a dark-
green color.
3. Apply a second coat of Mapelastic AquaDefense to the
entire area. Let dry.
4. Give a final inspection, looking for pinholes, areas not
completely covered and other defects.
5. Recoat as needed. Let dry to a dark-green color.
6. Apply a bead of commercial-grade silicone or urethane
sealant between the membrane and the drain flange,
about 1/2" (12 mm) in from the drain opening.
7. Bolt the drain collar into place while the sealant is still
fresh.
8. Install ceramic tile or natural stone per the above section
“Installing ceramic tile or natural stone.”
OPTIONAL USE OF MAPEBAND
ACCESSORIES
1. MAPEI’s Mapeband accessories (cove roll and drain
flashing) are waterproof, vapor-proof thin, elastic,
deformable, rubber-coated fabric pieces that are fully
compatible with Mapelastic AquaDefense and provide
the ultimate in “change-of-plane” waterproofing
protection for coves, corners and drains. Mapeband
accessories are ideal for environments requiring
waterproofing but also where temperature extremes,
freeze/thaw conditions, vibrations, etc., can cause
waterproofing problems.
2. Mapeband cove roll can be used in place of MAPEI’s
Reinforcing Fabric on coves, corners and control joints.
The “felt side” should face into the corner.
3. Mapeband drain flashing can be used in place of
MAPEI’s Reinforcing Fabric on drains. The “felt side”
should face down.
4. See Mapeband ’s Technical Data Sheet for installation
details.
Sealant
(depth is 1/2 width)
Rounded backup
(with no bond to sealant)
Bond
coat
Compressible
backup
Tile
Mapelastic AquaDefense
Bond-breaker tape
Concrete floor
MAPEI’s Reinforcing Fabric
Mapela
stic
®
AquaDefense
AquaDefense
Mapelastic
®
Product Performance Properties
Laboratory Tests Results
pH 9
Viscosity Approximately 30,000 cps
Density 1,3 g per mL
Weight 10.9 lbs. per U.S. gal. (1,3 kg per L)
Shelf Life and Product Characteristics (before mixing)
Shelf life (Mapelastic AquaDefense) 2 years when stored in original, unopened packaging at 73ºF (23ºC)
Physical state Liquid
Color Medium green when wet; dark green when dry
Shelf life (optional Reinforcing Fabric) Unlimited when stored in original, unopened packaging at 73ºF (23ºC)
Storage Store in a cool, dry place.
Protect containers from freezing in transit and storage. Provide for heated storage on site and deliver all materials at least 24 hours before
work begins.
Application Properties at 73ºF (23ºC) and 50% relative humidity
Flash point (Seta flash) Nonflammable
VOCs (Rule #1113 of California's SCAQMD) 0 g per L
Drying time between first and second coats When dark green and dry to the touch
Drying time after second coat (before applying ceramic tile or stone) About 30 to 50 minutes (when dark green and dry to the touch)
Drying time before flood-testing After 12 hours
Final dry thickness (2 coats) About 20 mils at minimum (about credit-card thickness)
Freeze/thaw stability (liquid) Up to 5 cycles at 32°F (0°C)
Packaging (Mapelastic AquaDefense)
Size Approximate Coverage (per 2 coats)*
Pail: 1 U.S. gal. (3,79 L) – 4-pack 60 sq. ft. (5,57 m
2
)
Pail: 3.5 U.S. gals. (13,2 L) 210 sq. ft. (19,5 m
2
)
Pail: 5 U.S. gals. (18,9 L) 300 sq. ft. (27,9 m
2
)
Drum: 55 U.S. gals. (208 L) – special order 3,300 sq. ft. (307 m
2
)
* Coverage shown is for estimating purposes only. Actual jobsite coverage may vary according to substrate conditions, concrete profile and
porosity, type of equipment used, thickness applied, handling and application procedures.
Packaging (optional Reinforcing Fabric)
Size Coverage
Roll: 6" x 75' (15 cm x 22,9 m), 8 per box – To reinforce over
cracks, control joints, corners, coves and floor/wall penetrations
37.5 sq. ft. (3,48 m
2
) per roll
Roll: 38" x 75' (97 cm x 22,9 m), 1 per box – To reinforce around
drains or main area to be waterproofed
237.5 sq. ft. (22,1 m
2
) per roll
Packaging (Mapeband waterproong accessories)
Size and Color
Drain flashing (blue): 16.75" x 16.75" (43 x 43 cm)
Cove roll (blue): 4.75" x 163 ft. (12 cm x 49,7 m)
We proudly support the following industry organizations:
MAPEI Headquarters of North America
1144 East Newport Center Drive
Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442
1-888-US-MAPEI (1-888-876-2734) /
(954) 246-8888
Technical Services
1-800-992-6273 (U.S. and Puerto Rico)
1-800-361-9309 (Canada)
Customer Service
1-800-42-MAPEI (1-800-426-2734)
Services in Mexico
0-1-800-MX-MAPEI (0-1-800-696-2734)
Edition Date: October 5, 2017
PR: 5593 MKT: 17-2314
For the most current BEST-BACKED
SM
product data and warranty information, visit www.mapei.com.
All Rights Reserved. Printed in the USA. © 2017 MAPEI Corporation.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
Reference Guide: Surface
Preparation Requirements for tile
and stone installation systems
RGT0309*
* At www.mapei.com
Refer to the SDS for specific data related to health and safety as
well as product handling.
LEG AL NOTICE
The contents of this Technical Data Sheet (“TDS”)
may be copied into another project-related
document, but the resulting document shall not
supplement or replace requirements per the
TDS in effect at the time of the MAPEI product
installation. For the most up-to-date TDS and
warranty information, please visit our website at
www.mapei.com. ANY ALTERATIONS TO THE
WORDING OR REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED
IN OR DERIVED FROM THIS TDS SHALL
VOID ALL RELATED MAPEI WARRANTIES.
Before using, the user must determine the
suitability of our products for the intended use,
and the user alone assumes all risks and liability.
ANY CLAIM SHALL BE DEEMED WAIVED
UNLESS MADE IN WRITING TO US WITHIN
FIFTEEN (15) DAYS FROM DATE IT WAS,
OR REASONABLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN,
DISCOVERED.
Mapela
stic
®
AquaDefense
AquaDefense
Mapelastic
®
/
